Star Ratings and Welcome Schemes Explained

We use a five level star grading system to indicate the standard of customer care, quality, condition and range of facilities on offer at participating establishments.

The awards focus on a range of key areas including the standard of the welcome and hospitality in serviced accommodation, as well as cleanliness, standard of bedrooms, bathrooms and, where applicable, food. The number of stars awarded to a property indicates the standard visitors can expect of the property:

Welcome Schemes are designed to recognise the special efforts made by operators to provide for visitors and help direct visitors to suitable establishments that pay particular attention to their various needs.

An operator displaying a Welcome Scheme logo has been independently assessed for suitability during their quality grading assessment.

Those operators participating in the Welcome Schemes should display a positive attitude and a genuine desire to meet your needs.

What you can expect

Anglers Welcome Scheme

A suitable facility for the drying and storage of fishing clothing, storage boxes for rods; a daily weather forecast; freezer facility for bait or catch and facilities for preparing catch. Equally important is the local knowledge of where to fish.

Bikers Welcome Scheme

Safe parking available, provision of cleaning materials and a supply of recommended tours and viewpoints.

Cyclists Welcome Scheme

A supply of maps and local cycling routes, a lockable shed for bike storage, information on local transport services, contact details of nearest cycle specialist and a suitable facility for the drying and storage of clothing.

Dogs Welcome Scheme

Details of local dog walks, pet shops and vets, the provision of a food and water bowl, suitable food preparation area, towels available for use on pets and storage space for animal transportation crates.

Families Welcome Scheme

A storage area for pushchairs, availability of high chairs and cots, local activity and eateries provided along with contact details for local doctors all allow parents peace of mind while on holiday.

Film Crew Welcome Scheme

Offer flexible arrival times, confidentiality is respected and arrangements are made for company billing.

Golfers Welcome Scheme

A suitable facility for the drying and storage of outdoor clothing, lockable storage for golf clubs, a daily weather forecast, details of tee-off times and local sports/golf shops.

Groups Welcome Scheme

Provision of ample parking facilities, express check in and flexible menus for groups.

Mountain Bikers Welcome Scheme

Provision of local mountain bike information, lockable covered shed for bike storage and close proximity to mountain bike trails.

Walkers Welcome Scheme

A suitable facility for the drying and storage of outdoor clothing, provision of ordnance survey maps and local public transport information, early breakfast options and a packed lunch on request.

Tourism Northern Ireland (Tourism NI) is the trading name of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Top Things to See & Do

Experience the wonderful aromas, find that perfect gift or simply take the time to explore the wonders of the famous Belfast Christmas Market.

Take an exciting journey of marine life at Exploris Aquarium, County Down. Explore the colourful coral reefs of the Tropical Oceans before entering the dark depths of the Amazon Rainforest, with its reptilian inhabitants including our very own snappy crocodile.

Discover the magical Giant's Lair at Slieve Gullion Forest Park, County Armagh, you can see the this charming storybook come to life with its tranformed land of mystery.

Step into the magical world of Narnia and visit the newly opened C.S Lewis square where you can meet your favourite characters from the famous writings of C.S Lewis.

Visit the world's leading tourist attraction Titanic Belfast and and enjoy an authentic maritime visitor experience.

Step into Seamus Heaney HomePlace and begin your journey through the life and literature of the poet and Nobel Laureate.